I have often been asked why did I decide to become a naturopathic doctor and how did I become interested in naturopathic medicine?
The desire to become a doctor came from my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Sam Woolington, MD. To me, Dr. Sam was all-knowing, firm but kind, and took the time to get to know his patients. When I was in the first grade, he asked my mom how I was doing in school. She replied that I was getting A’s and B’s. He told her that I could do better. His goal was always to help his patients live their best life. When I was 10 years old, Dr. Sam decided to retire his practice and go into teaching. No one was ever able to fill his shoes.
My mother became the inspiration to pursue natural medicine. Without Dr. Sam to guide us, my mom began reading about wholistic ways to support our health and began supplementing our family of seven with vitamins. We were taking vitamin C long before the benefits on immune function were commonly known. An interest in homeopathy soon followed and became a favored mode of healing. My mom was an excellent cook and prepared a variety of meals, always with fresh whole foods. My dad, a weekend skin diver contributed a weekly selection from the ocean while we played in the tide pools. Then as the sun was setting, my mom lit our hibachi to cook the day’s catch. Together they built a strong foundation for a healthy gut and good health in my entire family.
My most dramatic memory was seeing my five-year-old brother respond to natural treatment for deep second-degree burns on his hands and healing his face after plastic surgery from a traumatic dog attack. His skin completely healed, scar free. I now look back and see that my path was laid out before me. I just needed to follow it. I feel fortunate to have experienced the virtues of naturopathic medicine firsthand, as well as being able to pursue it as a profession.
What I have learned is the answers are always in a patient’s story. My parents taught me how to become a critical thinker, a problem solver, and a good detective. These skills have helped me answer the riddles to the cause of illness and restoring patient wellness. After all, like Dr. Sam, I want all my patients to live their best life.
I am grateful to live on an acre of land and enjoy spending time in nature and with the wildlife in my backyard. I find joy in yoga, walks, cooking, books, astrology, and love spending time with my adult children, friends, and furry companion, Ollie the cat.
